Out of Sight: Afghan Refugees on the Balkan Route After the Taliban's Return

Belgrade, April 2023 — The withdrawal of international troops and the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan have sparked a significant wave of migration, with thousands of Afghans fleeing violence, discrimination, and poverty. Many of these refugees, including women and minors, are using the Balkan route to seek safety and a better life in Western Europe. In partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), NGO Atina conducted an extensive project between April 2022 and March 2023 to monitor and support Afghan refugees in Serbia. The findings, however, reveal a profoundly concerning reality.

The Plight of Afghan Refugees

Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated. The new regime has stripped away many hard-won rights, particularly for women and girls, and imposed severe restrictions on daily life. In response, thousands of Afghans have taken dangerous journeys across borders, risking everything for safety and stability.

Serbia remains a critical transit point on this route, with many Afghan refugees entering the country through Bulgaria or North Macedonia. Atina’s report highlights the violence and exploitation Afghans face along the way, including physical abuse, sexual violence, and labour exploitation. Despite international law guaranteeing the right to seek asylum, border authorities often conduct ‘pushbacks,’ forcibly returning refugees without due process.

Afghan Women: Invisible and Vulnerable

One of the most alarming findings is the situation of Afghan women refugees. Fearful of Taliban reprisals against their families, many women avoid registering in state-run facilities, opting instead for informal settlements or private accommodations. This makes them practically invisible to authorities, increasing their vulnerability to gender-based violence (GBV) and trafficking.

Andrijana Radoičić Nedeljković, coordinator of Atina’s support program, stresses the need for proactive measures: “Afghan women are not even in official data. Some stay in informal settlements, and others live in fear of Taliban informants. Authorities must act to reach and protect these women.

Unaccompanied Minors: A Growing Crisis

The report also highlights the growing number of unaccompanied Afghan minors. Due to the risk of forced recruitment by the Taliban, many families send their sons alone to Europe. These young boys, often claiming to be adults to avoid separation from their groups, face significant risks of exploitation and abuse. Atina’s team observed large numbers of these minors in state-run centres, but also some of them outside while remaining under the radar of the official statistics.

Between April 2022 and March 2023, Atina’s project screened 619 refugees for trafficking and GBV risks, with 225 of them being Afghan nationals. The organisation provided direct support, including safe accommodation and psychosocial services, to 61 individuals. Recognising the need for cultural understanding, Atina also introduced a male cultural mediator fluent in Farsi, enhancing their ability to assist at-risk Afghan boys.

To improve the identification and protection of at-risk groups, Atina established a mobile team that regularly visits asylum and transit centers across Serbia and informal camps near borders. This team’s work is crucial for connecting those in need with available services.

Recommendations for Authorities

The findings from Atina’s project make it clear that authorities in Serbia and the wider region must take proactive steps to protect Afghan refugees. The following recommendations are put forward:

1. Implement Regular Assessments: Authorities should introduce proactive screening mechanisms to identify victims of trafficking and GBV in state-run facilities, ensuring that unaccompanied minors receive the protections they need.

 2. Equal Standards for Refugees: Afghan refugees must be provided with the same legal and social protections as Serbian citizens facing trafficking or GBV. Authorities should not dismiss their cases simply because they are considered ‘transit’ refugees.

3. Outreach to Afghan Women: More must be done to support Afghan women outside state-run facilities. Providing them safe access to aid, information, and protection services is essential to mitigate their vulnerabilities.

A Call for Global Attention

While international focus remains fixed on other global crises, such as the war in Ukraine, Atina’s report is a stark reminder that the plight of Afghan refugees continues to unfold. The challenges these individuals face, particularly women and children, deserve urgent attention and action. Ensuring that Afghan refugees in transit receive adequate protection and support is not just a humanitarian obligation but a matter of justice.

The report can be found here: